A former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been ordered to be remanded in Kuje prison in Abuja by a Federal High Court pending the consideration of his bail application. Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Thursday during Mamman’s arraignment on a money laundering charge, which had previously been postponed by the judge.
Mamman pleaded not guilty to the 12-count money laundering charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges allege that Mamman was involved in money laundering activities amounting to N33 billion.
Appointed under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mamman served as Minister of Power from 2019 until 2021, when he was relieved of his duties alongside the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in a cabinet restructuring on September 1, 2021.
The allegations against Mamman include claims that he conspired with ministry staff responsible for managing funds for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects, diverting approximately N22 billion. Investigations by the EFCC reportedly uncovered assets in Nigeria and abroad linked to Mamman, with significant sums in both naira and dollars reportedly recovered.
The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to be provided in due course.
